Master of Landscape Architecture

Students standing and sitting on rocks


The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree program prepares students for creative thinking and collaborative learning leading to professional careers. 

From these historical roots within a smaller city set among rural landscapes and close to metropolitan areas, the MLA program offers diverse opportunities for study, research, creative design, and professional practice. The combination of undergraduate and graduate programs yields a substantial body of engaged students and organizations and provides teaching assistant opportunities for MLA students. Our legacy includes an alumni network that is engaged and involved in our programs and employs our graduates in global design. Our faculty have diverse experiences and perspectives for a broad spectrum of learning. We offer immersive, project-centered learning formats that include peer-to-peer sharing, field study, in-depth topical discussions, seminars, lectures, and landscape design studios. An undergraduate landscape architecture degree is not required to apply for the MLA degree program.

NEW for Fall 2024: 

The MLA program has launched a course-based master’s degree (MLA.LARC:L) starting in the Fall of 2024. The new program will provide a design or thesis project option as part of the revised MLA degree program.  More details are available in the 'MLA Profile' PDF document attachment below.  

The MLA degree program is structured for students to acquire and master a professional level of design competency. The MLA curriculum features a carefully structured curriculum spanning six semesters, each centered around distinctive themes to provide a cohesive and integrated learning experience. The thematic breakdown includes foundations; site; environment and application; design and detail; community and place; and design or thesis project options. The MLA program leads to a professional degree that meets the educational requirements for entry into professional associations across Canada, North America and abroad.

MLA Structure/Duration

Graduate student registration occurs in Fall and Winter semesters, and students request an academic break in the first two summer semesters to gain professional practical experience.  You may expect to follow the three-year (six-semesters over 32 months) academic program, leading to the professional MLA degree. 

MLA Application Deadline for Fall 2024 (update):

Please plan the submission of your MLA application in accordance with the application deadline, and note that earlier completed applications are highly recommended.      
International and Domestic Applicant Deadline:  The deadline to receive COMPLETED applications is January 31, 2024, for September / Fall 2024 entry.  Please try to submit your application materials well in advance of the deadline.

Applicants should note that the online OUAC application system can take up to five working days to process your account. Once your account is processed, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on uploading your documents.  

Please also pay close attention to the required application documents and upload the application materials to the correct areas.


Find us on social media!

Instagram:  Landscape Architecture:  @uofg_landscapearchitecture and SEDRD Graduate Student Society:  @sedrd_gss
Facebook:   University of Guelph - Landscape Architecture
Twitter:  @SEDRD


Find more information on the MLA program and the LA profession

For information on the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Guelph, visit the following links:

For information on the profession of landscape architecture, please visit the following links: